At Xu Zifeng's invitation, Liu Hao smiled as well. "If you're hosting a banquet, Young Lord Xu, of course we'll come to show our support."
Xu Zifeng nodded in satisfaction, then asked, "By the way, have you seen Wu Qi?"
Xiao Ming pointed out the window. "He just left. Said he needed to visit the Ministry of Rites."
After leaving the teahouse, Xu Zifeng headed straight to the Prince of the West's residence.
When Li Ji heard why he had come, he readily agreed. "If Young Lord Xu is hosting a banquet, how could I refuse you that honor?"
It went without saying that Li Ji would agree.
During the campaign against the Sea Clan with the Prince of the South's army, Li Ji had received the prince's care and protection. He would certainly show Xu Zifeng due courtesy and lend him a hand when necessary.
But "when necessary" meant only when there was no conflict with Li Chen. If there was, Li Ji would undoubtedly side with Li Chen.
How did that saying go again? Li Ji himself belonged to the core of the Imperial Clan. He could hardly rebel against his own clan.
Xu Zifeng emerged from the Prince of the West's residence with his confidence greatly bolstered.
He decided to try his luck at the newly established Ministry of Sect Affairs. After all, inviting one more minister-level figure would raise the banquet to an entirely different caliber.
However, he was turned away at the ministry's entrance.
"Minister Lin thanks you for your kindness, Young Lord, but she is occupied with official business and truly cannot spare the time," the guard relayed respectfully.
Xu Zifeng was a little disappointed, but there was nothing he could do. His relationship with Lin Yue'e was neither particularly good nor particularly bad,